Fruit boom: Teo (third from right) with Matrade trade commissioner Niqman Rafaee M. Sahar (centre) posing for pictures with the management team of the Pagoda fruit chain in China earlier this week.
PETALING JAYA: Hernan Corporation Sdn Bhd, a leading player in Malaysia’s durian export industry, has made a significant leap forward by exporting 12 tonnes of fresh durian to China in a landmark move for the company and the nation’s agricultural sector.
This milestone was part of Malaysia’s maiden shipment of fresh durian to China, which took place on Aug 24 – two months after signing the Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Durian from Malaysia to China.
It also included fresh durian from other exporting companies, with shipments divided into three batches.
The move to export fresh durians to China further underscores Hernan’s role in contributing not only to Malaysia’s entry into the lucrative Chinese market, but also its agricultural exports.
“The export of fresh durian is expected to bolster the country’s agricultural sector by setting a new benchmark for quality and innovation. It will encourage more investments as well as the younger generation to be involved in agriculture,” said the company’s founder and group chief executive officer Datuk Anna Teo.
“On top of that, it will also improve international trade relationships, and stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and increasing farm incomes.”
With the export of fresh durian to China, she said Hernan is projected to contribute between RM7mil and RM15mil to Malaysia’s monthly revenue, thereby “enhancing the country’s overall agricultural export income”.
Teo and her team were in China earlier this week to see the safe delivery of the durians, while also taking the opportunity to promote the king of fruits to her current and potential clients.
“From our market research and observations of fresh fruit trends in China, we realised that there is a fast-growing appetite for fresh durian.
“In 2023 alone, China had imported US$15.8bil of fruits from all over the world, with durian contributing 49.3%, or US$7.78bil,” said Teo, reminding Malaysian companies to also seize the opportunity to enter the Chinese market.
Apart from fresh durian, Hernan has been exporting frozen durian and durian-based products to China for 13 years.
Recently, the company secured the contracts to supply durian pulps to 52 Walmart outlets in China, as well as to 6,000 stores of the Pagoda fruit chain.
While this may be a huge feat, Hernan Corp says its excited to take on the challenge.
“The requirement given to us by China is for our durians to have at least a 10-day shelf life. In order to do that, we are in the midst of improving our technology.
“This includes investing in automation and preservation and temperature control technology to maintain the high standards of Malaysian durian while scaling up production.
“We are also embarking on an artificial intelligence auto sorting machine to expedite our packing process with 95% accuracy,” said Teo, who strives to ensure stringent quality control measures are in place.
Hernan’s successful expansion is part of the accolades that they have received, including the Star Outstanding Business Awards, Export Excellence Awards as well as EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Asia-Pacific Award.
“These accolades have boosted the company’s profile, attracted potential partners and investors, and validated our commitment to excellence and global expansion,” said Teo.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality standards and innovation in product offerings, particularly for companies like Hernan.
According to deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof, who was present at the flag-off of fresh durian shipment to China last Saturday, Malaysia’s commitment to producing top-quality durians and developing new varieties not only strengthens the country’s position in emerging markets but also enhances its global competitiveness.
He added that the various promotional events such as overseas trade exhibitions, online business matching sessions and trade missions organised by Matrade, serve as platforms for companies to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers globally.
“This year, there are several prominent events catering to the Chinese market, including the 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Kuala Lumpur, the 21st China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO), and Malaysia-China Summit (MCS 2024).
“Through these initiatives, Matrade plays a crucial role in helping Malaysian exporters like Hernan overcome challenges and seize opportunities in the global market.”
